Xander Schauffele and Patrick Cantlay didn't skip a beat as the format transitioned to alternate shot on Friday morning. They came out hot with consecutive birdies to open the round and even when they dropped a shot on their third hole, they followed up with another birdie. They posted a four-under round to follow their opening 59 and will go into the weekend as the solo leaders.
They'll be joined in the final group Saturday by the team of Aaron Rai and David Lipsky. We have seen both of those players find their names in contention early this year, but they will have a big task to stare down two bonafide stars on TOUR. It is just a one-shot deficit for them and the team of Sam Ryder and Doc Redman.
There are seven teams that have separated themselves through two rounds and are all within three shots of the lead. Three shots separate that group from those at T8. The return to the best ball format for Round 3 will open up the scoring and I expect we may see some more separation unless the teams further down can really do something special.
Best Bets
Jason Day and Jason Scrivener +2500 (BetMGM)
One of the surprises of the day was the Australian duo of Jason Day and Jason Scrivener. They matched the low round on Friday with a 7-under 65, which included a couple of bogeys. It was a great sign for the former World No. 1 in Day as he has been up and down with his play to start 2022. His partner is lesser known stateside as he has made his money on the DP World Tour where he has played the past seven seasons.
Scrivener is no slouch as he has six Top 3 finishes and 24 Top 10s to his name overseas. He has yet to win, but has certainly played well enough to put himself in position in the past. This team, in my opinion, has the most value on the betting board entering Saturday. They have enough talent and experience to stay in the mix throughout the final two rounds and clearly there is some comfort for the alternate shot scenario they'll be exposed to again on Sunday. I'm willing to dabble at +2500 for the Australians to make a run at the title in what would be a return to glory for Day and a life-altering win for PGA Tour exempt status for Scrivener.
Max Homa and Talor Gooch Top 10 +150 (BetMGM)
The duo of Homa and Gooch was easy to like coming into the week as their ball striking and recent play made them an attractive team for this event. They could be really well positioned for a big day Saturday as they are known individually for their scoring abilities. Together, they have the potential to post a nice number as well.
I mentioned in the start that I thought it may take a special day to get in contention for the groups down lower and while it could certainly happen for a team like this, the better odds are on a Top 10 finish. I am taking a slightly discounted number (+190 on DraftKings) over at BetMGM because they pay all ties in full in this market, which could certainly come in handy on Sunday evening.
